Speeches

The Indaba takes place at the time we are celebrating the centenary of the Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu. Nelson Mandela characterized education as the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. We meet at a time when the world we must change is changing our rapidly. We are a generation that witnessed the collapse of the Berlin Hall, the end of apartheid in our country and many other world events. We thought we were making progress in creating a better world.

This year`s World Teachers` Day (WTD) celebrations on October 5 highlight the importance of empowering teachers as a critical step towards quality education and sustainable societies, under the UNESCO Slogan, "Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies".

SADTU celebrates 25 years of existence on the 6th October this year. This giant was born in 1990 to liberate the teachers from yoke of apartheid. To liberate our country from Bantu education. To liberate our young people and adults from ignorance. Looking back on our rich history- our heroic struggles, our accomplishments, our proudest moments and challenging moments- and celebrating how far we have come as well as what the future holds.

We bring you warm greetings from the more than 32 million teachers and education personnel in the world. We are truly humbled by your presence in this celebration hosted by the DOE in the beautiful province of KZN.

SADTU celebrates 25 years of existence on the 6th October this year. This giant was born in 1990 to liberate the teachers from yoke of apartheid. To liberate our country from Bantu education. To liberate our young people and adults from ignorance. Looking back on our rich history- our heroic struggles, our accomplishments, our proudest moments and challenging moments- and celebrating how far we have come as well as what the future holds.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) is a significant player in the social, economic and educational fabric of South Africa, and there can be no denying that it has a vital contribution to make in the continued growth of the country, both as an organisation as well as through the actions and contributions of its members.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) is a significant player in the social, economic and educational fabric of South Africa, and there can be no denying that it has a vital contribution to make in the continued growth of the country, both as an organisation as well as through the actions and contributions of its members.

It gives me great pleasure to participate in this auspicious occasion – the SADTU-SIHOLD Joint Sod-Turning Ceremony. This represents the culmination of 5 years of very careful planning and martialling of resources. Today marks the symbolic start of the building phase, when we begin to see the realisation of an ambitious vision for the construction of the SADTU Village – a purpose-built national office, training institute, conference centre and 250-bed residential complex.

Before I start, let me acknowledge the following: Edwin Pillay(once a Deputy President of SADTU ), Cde Harold Samuels (The longtime friend of Cde Poobie and the first Treasurer of SADTU at its formation in 1990) Cde Randall Van Den Heever (the first General Secretary of SADTU )

Comrades delegates, you have who refused to bow to pressure when others were arguing that SADTU should just be a professional association and you said we want SADTU to be a trade union because you defined yourselves as workers and today you have build this union into colossal fortress to which teachers run when they are under attack .

The 1st Deputy President of SADTU who is current the acting President The National Office Bearers of SADTU The entire leadership of SADTU from various levels of the organisation The leadership of the federation present here today The Alliance leadership present Comrades delegates,